Yesterday, just hours before former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay made his debut on Dancing with the Stars, dozens of lobbyists, politicos and consultants around town and on K Street received an urgent e-mail from his daughter, Dani DeLay Ferro, asking for their help: "vote early and vote often."

The missive opened "Dear Friends" reminding the recipients that DeLay was the "most effective whip in modern Congressional history." It also gave very specific tips on how to maximize the vote for Tom, noting that unlike in elections, the rules of the show allow people to vote many times, including: "eight times from your home phone, eight times from your cell phone, eight times on the website and you can also text eight times."

To those who were scratching their heads about why this former House wunderkind might go on such a high-profile pop show at all, his daughter bluntly wrote: "For those who know what a goofball he really is, it's a perfect fit."

See letter here.